Awakening to Advent
Awakening to Advent: Embracing the Light and Hope of the Season
As the Advent season unfolds, many of us are filled with nostalgia. The familiar glow of candles, the carols, and cherished Christmas traditions bring warmth to our hearts. Yet, Advent is far more than a trip down memory lane—it acts as a spiritual alarm clock, urging us to awaken to the essence of our faith.
In Romans 13:11, Paul writes, "The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber." This call to wakefulness serves to shake us from spiritual autopilot, reminding us each Advent season to focus on what truly matters.
Waking Up to the Kingdom of God
What does it mean to awaken during Advent? It involves stepping into the fullness of life in God's kingdom—a life rich with hope, peace, joy, and love. Philosopher Kierkegaard once said, "The most common form of despair is not being who you are." Advent is a call to embrace our true identity in Christ, to become who we were made to be.
This awakening is not just a personal journey but an invitation to align with God's story. Paul reminds us of the urgency of this moment, saying, "Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." The night recedes, and daylight nears; our task is to discard deeds of darkness and don the armor of light.
Hope in Urgency
Advent is a time for urgency, not complacency. It reminds us that the story of redemption is unfolding, moving steadily toward Christ's return. As we live with this sense of gospel urgency, we are called to cast off old ways and embrace the light.
Paul's exhortation is clear: we are to abandon the shadows of darkness—quarreling, jealousy, impurity—and embrace a life that reflects Christ's light. This requires effort. Dallas Willard aptly said, "Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning." In this season, God invites us to put in the effort towards intentional holiness.
Clothing Ourselves with Christ
The beauty of the gospel lies not just in subtraction but also in addition. While we cast away the darkness, we are also called to put on Christ. This means clothing ourselves with His compassion, purity, humility, and forgiveness. In a world fraught with hostility, wearing the armor of Christ equips us to be beacons of hope in dark places.
Practically, this means adopting the habits of Christ in our daily lives. Advent offers rich practices to help us clothe ourselves with Jesus: silence, scripture, service, prayer, generosity, and slowing down. These habits not only draw us closer to who Jesus is but also reinforce our true identity in Him.
A Call to Action
As we embark on this Advent journey, let us ask ourselves: Where might we be spiritually asleep? What shadows need to be cast off? What new habits of Christ should we adopt?
Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas but a countdown to Christ.
This Advent, let's wake up to the light, walking in the newness of life and our true identity in Christ. Embrace the invitation to be a light in the darkness, sharing the hope of Jesus with the world around us.
Amen.
As the Advent season unfolds, many of us are filled with nostalgia. The familiar glow of candles, the carols, and cherished Christmas traditions bring warmth to our hearts. Yet, Advent is far more than a trip down memory lane—it acts as a spiritual alarm clock, urging us to awaken to the essence of our faith.
In Romans 13:11, Paul writes, "The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber." This call to wakefulness serves to shake us from spiritual autopilot, reminding us each Advent season to focus on what truly matters.
Waking Up to the Kingdom of God
What does it mean to awaken during Advent? It involves stepping into the fullness of life in God's kingdom—a life rich with hope, peace, joy, and love. Philosopher Kierkegaard once said, "The most common form of despair is not being who you are." Advent is a call to embrace our true identity in Christ, to become who we were made to be.
This awakening is not just a personal journey but an invitation to align with God's story. Paul reminds us of the urgency of this moment, saying, "Our salvation is nearer than when we first believed." The night recedes, and daylight nears; our task is to discard deeds of darkness and don the armor of light.
Hope in Urgency
Advent is a time for urgency, not complacency. It reminds us that the story of redemption is unfolding, moving steadily toward Christ's return. As we live with this sense of gospel urgency, we are called to cast off old ways and embrace the light.
Paul's exhortation is clear: we are to abandon the shadows of darkness—quarreling, jealousy, impurity—and embrace a life that reflects Christ's light. This requires effort. Dallas Willard aptly said, "Grace is not opposed to effort; it is opposed to earning." In this season, God invites us to put in the effort towards intentional holiness.
Clothing Ourselves with Christ
The beauty of the gospel lies not just in subtraction but also in addition. While we cast away the darkness, we are also called to put on Christ. This means clothing ourselves with His compassion, purity, humility, and forgiveness. In a world fraught with hostility, wearing the armor of Christ equips us to be beacons of hope in dark places.
Practically, this means adopting the habits of Christ in our daily lives. Advent offers rich practices to help us clothe ourselves with Jesus: silence, scripture, service, prayer, generosity, and slowing down. These habits not only draw us closer to who Jesus is but also reinforce our true identity in Him.
A Call to Action
As we embark on this Advent journey, let us ask ourselves: Where might we be spiritually asleep? What shadows need to be cast off? What new habits of Christ should we adopt?
Advent is not merely a countdown to Christmas but a countdown to Christ.
This Advent, let's wake up to the light, walking in the newness of life and our true identity in Christ. Embrace the invitation to be a light in the darkness, sharing the hope of Jesus with the world around us.
Amen.
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